According to a survey conducted by Resume Templates, 25% of Gen Zers admit taking a parent to job interviews. This data added fuel to the “Gen Zers aren't professional” fire. But is it true?
Though it's definitely not a good call taking your parents to a job interview—let alone having them speak with the interviewer—it's understandable that some young folks might struggle with the transition from teen to adult or experience interview anxiety.
That's why we're not here for any generational slander. Instead, we asked HR experts what they think about Gen Zers bringing parents to job interviews and their tips for you to succeed as a young professional.
Bringing parents to job interview: What explains this behavior
We asked three HR professionals if they've witnessed Gen Zers bringing a parent to a job interview; two say they've seen this before and one didn't. But all agree on one thing: The social gap created by the pandemic lockdown and need for reassurance are potential reasons for this behavior.
“Social interaction certainly suffered under the influence of the pandemic, especially for young adults just beginning to work,” says Julia Yurchak, senior recruitment consultant at Keller Executive Search. “Maybe Gen Z employees, without an interview background, are looking for parental guidance and encouragement.”
“Sometimes this is because the parent is transportation, though other times it’s for emotional or moral support,” says Archie Payne, president of the machine learning recruiting firm CalTek Staffing.
“The pandemic likely played a role in creating this dynamic,” says Max Williams, founder and HR outsourcing (HRO) specialist at Herobot. “Many young people missed out on key social and professional experiences due to isolation, making them more dependent on their parents for support in high-stakes situations like job interviews.”
The stats back this up. A 2019 study by the Workforce Institute revealed that the pandemic left Gen Zers struggling with professional goals and impacted the development of important soft skills. According to the research, 26% of Gen Zers interviewed believe they lack negotiation skills, 24% feel like they lack networking skills, 24% can't confidently speak in front of crowds, and 24% believe they can't work long hours.
Is taking a parent to an interview bad?
Yes, it is—and it’s even worse if they get in the office (or video call) with you and answer questions on your behalf. Though there are valid reasons behind it, most recruiters aren't happy about this trend and believe the behavior is a red flag.
“It can be viewed as unprofessional and it poses questions about independence and self-esteem,” Yurchak says. “It's a major red flag for most employers and could result in immediate disqualification.”
“While I wouldn’t immediately disqualify someone for having a parent present, it does raise concerns about their ability to navigate the workplace independently,” Williams says. “During an interview, it’s essential to showcase your own qualifications, confidence, and problem-solving skills.”
If your parent is your ride to the interview, Payne suggests letting them wait in the car. “You’ll be working the job on your own if you land it, so you should interview on your own, too.”
When it’s acceptable to bring parents to a job interview
In some circumstances, a hiring manager could be OK with you taking a parent to an interview. For instance, people with disabilities that need special accommodations have the grace from employers. Some employers are also willing to have some leniency for underaged teens seeking their first employement.
“If someone is under the age of 18 and applying for a job in high school, especially if it’s their first job, then I would give them more leeway,” Payne says. “I’m also aware that not all of this is necessarily the child’s idea—this could be an issue with helicopter parents, so I would be inclined to give someone who’s still a teenager the benefit of the doubt on this point.”
How to ace an interview—by yourself
Trust us, you don't want to be that Gen Z heading to an interview with a parent—but if you don't feel ready to do it by yourself, here are some experts tips to prepare and gain confidence.
1. Practice (a lot) at home
“Gen Z candidates should improve their interview abilities with mock interviews and market research,” Yurchak says. Mock interviews are practice interviews that mimic real-life interview interactions. Get someone in your family to ask you the most common interview questions and practice your responses.
This is a great way to include your parents and take their advice on what you could improve without taking them to the interview with you. Slowly this could help you build the confidence and other skills you need to navigate the job search process alone.
“Self-reliance, excellent communication, and interest in the project will allow you to stand out from the rest of the pack in an already highly competitive field,” Yurchak says.
2. Slowly expose yourself to social situations
If you struggle with social interactions, start slowly putting yourself out there. Don't wait to do this when you already have an interview scheduled. Instead, train in situations where you won't necessarily be the center of attention or be evaluated, but still talking to people.
“This could mean going to networking events, attending workshops or seminars, and taking advantage of internship or mentorship programs,” Payne says. “This gives you a chance to make a face-to-face connection in a lower-pressure situation than a job interview.”
Payne also suggests following up with the people you meet by exchanging contact information and connecting on social media—especially LinkedIn. “In some situations this can lead directly to a job opportunity,” he says. “But even if it doesn’t you’ll get practice with building professional relationships, something that will serve you well throughout your career.”
This might help: How to Network on LinkedIn Like a Pro
3. Thoroughly research potential employers
You may feel more insecure in interviews when you don't know where you're getting into and what to expect. For this reason, every time you have an interview coming, take time to research the employer. Dig into their website and social media profiles—this exercise can give you great insight into their culture, tone of voice, and what type of professional they're looking for.
Researching may also give you bonus points with the employer. Hiring managers often ask company-related questions, such as “Why do you want to work with us?” and “What do you know about us?” or “What about [company] caught your attention?” These questions have the intention to assess how serious you are about this specific opportunity and if you bothered to research the company beforehand.
4. Consider coaching
If you (or your parents) can afford it, working with a career coach could help you strengthen your interviewing skills and grow your confidence. These professionals are often former recruiters or hiring managers and have a lot of experience both as interviewers and interviewees.
To make the best of this experience, have a plan and list of specific skills you need to develop or improve. “Focus on building strong communication skills, learning how to network effectively, and being proactive in your learning and growth,” Williams says. “Employers are looking for people who can adapt, think critically, and take initiative.”
Bottom line
Nobody is born ready to do job interviews and be a professional. Considering that Gen Zers had a pandemic cut through important formative years, their struggle being apparently greater than other generations is understandable.
However, taking a parent to a job interview is not the best way to deal with this. Most employers consider it unacceptable, or at least a big red flag. Your goal should be building social skills and learning how to handle stressful situations on your own. Even if it takes time, you'll eventually get there with a lot of practice and patience.